Method and system for capture of location specific media related information and delivery through communications network

Abstract

An improved method and system for two way communications between multimedia providers and subscribers utilizes encryption technology for embedding a watermark containing specific data, or a pointer to specific data relating to a multimedia program in the principal program itself. The principal program may include, but is certainly not limited to a television broadcast, cable or satellite program, multimedia over the Internet, a paging service, or radio broadcast. The specific data may include web addresses, hyperlinks, telephone numbers, advertisements or any information related to the principal program. A decoder decodes the embedded data which may point to the related data stored in a database, or may include the related data. The related data is then delivered to the subscriber of the principal program through an appropriate medium, such ADSI, Internet, or radio. The subscriber receives the specific data, which may be delivered simultaneous with the delivery of the principal program, on an appropriate device, such as an ADSI enabled telephone, remote control or wireless telephone, or directly in a web browser. The specific data may also be available for retrieval at a later time. The decoding of the embedded data may occur at the subscriber's receiver, or preferably at a central location, such as the head end of a cable operator, satellite transmitter or Internet service provider.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a method for delivering to a subscriber through a communications network, specific data related to a video or audio program received by the subscriber. In one specific example a recipient of a television broadcast can receive web addresses or telephone numbers that relate to the broadcast. The web addresses can be sent through the Internet to the user's browser and the telephone numbers could be delivered to an ADSI telephone through an ADSI server.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various communication media exist for delivering content to subscribers. Many of these networks allow for two-way communication between the deliverer of the content and the subscriber. For example, cable television head-end systems provide two way transport of data between the cable head-end location and the home subscribing to the service. This architecture is used for applications such as pay-per-view, interactive television, subscrip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention allows for the delivery of specific data related to audio and video through various means such as radio, cable, satellite, and internet. This data can be stored in a household device for simultaneous or delayed use. The data can include pay-per-view, automatic capture of internet resources, automatic capture of television numbers, and more. The invention can also capture valuable coupons or offers, keep telephone numbers of important services, and collect web addresses and bookmarks. The data can be synchronized with the broadcast being viewed. The invention can also be used to control devices or perform an executable function. The specific related data can be embedded in audio or video media and can include programming data. The invention can be used with existing telephony systems and can provide portable aspects of the architecture. The user can pre-select programming and enhanced content desired. The content and encoding can be re-used, databases do not need to be maintained or coordinated, and decoders are not required in the home or car. The invention allows for the delivery of specific data related to audio and video without requiring specialized decoders in the home.

Problems solved by technology

While somewhat popular and useful, these architectures suffer from various limitations, especially with respect to delivering mixed media content.

For example, two-way cable head-end equipment is expensive to deploy and functions only within a limited number of cable miles.

Some advertisers, especially those with a limited, local presence, may not be able to afford a subscription to interactive architectures.

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